Thursday, February 09, 2012

Bureau of Land Managers, Race Promoters and General Race Public Beware!

Drunk Degenerates, Sexual Freak Predilictions and Fraudulent Business Activites make up "Association of Motorsports Media Professionals".

It would be great if these drunks really intended to do what they are saying here, but, their track record exposes their true colors. Child porn cover-ups (Klaus Rasch, Curtis Guise), underage/underskirt photography (Brian Binkert) and the numerous incidents of drunk, so-called professional racing media perps.

Matt Kartozian is the wanted poster of this genre. Matt's arrests in Mexico for weapons charges are well known. Not so well known are his antics drunk, on the race course. There are numerous videos online of him almost getting struck by racers. (We'll upload more material to this story, when we have the time to edit through the hundreds of pieces of material, proving our point about these clowns.)

That's the fraud. The only reason these chumps are putting together this group, is to cover-up their track record and appear to come off as "professionals". When in reality, their work is merely a function to get money, to get drunk at races across the West.

The farce explanation on the groups website:

"All sanctioning bodies are under intense scrutiny by BLM and others. It is crucial that media credentials are reserved for legitimate working media who are accountable and conduct themselves in a professional manner. The Association of Motorsports Media Professionals, (AMMP), is a group comprised of veteran motorsports photographers and videographers who are dedicated to maintaining professional standards, promoting safe practices and preserving the access we need to perform our jobs.

AMMP is more than happy to work with all promoters and/or sanctioning bodies to develop guidelines for credential approval and safety training programs for legitimate media who are inexperienced in covering desert racing events. Our goals are to insure the maximum amount of media exposure of desert racing events while ensuring the safety of all involved including law enforcement, fans, course workers, media and competitors. The racers are required to pass technical inspection to insure they have the necessary safety gear and a vehicle that is capable of being operated under race conditions. Anyone who is working close to the action should be put to the same scrutiny.

People who are not legitimate media really have no business being in harms way and expose the promoter to unnecessary risk. Having no accountability and basically nothing to lose they often times interfere with the drivers and create problems for law enforcement and legitimate working professionals."

The drunks, "Safety Guide", which they aspire. Safety! These people are perfect reasons against their acheiving any of their "goals":

Association of Motorsports Media Professionals, AMMP

On Course Safety Guide.

"At AMMP our goal is to promote media safety and professionalism in Motorsports.

Desert offroad racing is one of the most exciting forms of racing. With that excitement comes danger for anyone who is on the course. We cannot stress enough the absolute necessity to be AWARE at all times. The drivers do not want to hit you, but the demands on them in this type of racing create situations where even the most highly skilled are out of control. It is up to you, to stay out of their path at all times! Do not rely on them to avoid you. These vehicles roll violently, crash into each other and sometimes catch on fire. It makes for spectacular photos and footage but none of it is worth your life. The course is loud, dusty and very intense. Not everyone is able to stay calm and collected while being so close to the action. Please be honest about your experience and abilities, it’s not for everyone. If it is your first time covering this type of racing take a moment to watch the race for a while before venturing close to the course. They don’t stop the race for hysterical Journalists who have misjudged their ability to control their fear. It is not our intent to scare anyone but you could be killed. You need to weigh the consequences before you decide to participate. Below are some guidelines to hopefully help keep you from being injured or disrupting the race. We are there to document the race not interfere with it.

Race officials, course workers and safety personnel have precedence over the media while working. Do not ask them to move out of your shot or impede them in any way. Always follow their instructions without debate. They are in radio communication with the race director and have information you may not be unaware of.

Never cross the course unless you have clear vision for several hundred yards. Vehicles are traveling at high speed. Not all vehicles will be loud enough to give you fair warning of their approach. They can come upon you with little notice. They may be in groups or in close pursuit of the vehicle in front. Remember the course is legal fifty feet on either side. Vehicles can pull out to pass at any time. Bushes or contours in the terrain are not guaranteed to provide safe haven from the vehicles. Never turn your back on the course. Never stand or sit where you cannot see approaching traffic. If the course is obscured by dust quickly move back until it settles and you have clear vision. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. We cannot stress enough the absolute necessity to be AWARE at all times.

If a vehicle is coming towards you remain calm, don’t turn your back. The best way to avoid oncoming vehicles is to keep your eyes on the vehicle and move away from the path it is traveling on. Think like a bullfighter, A few steps to the side is better than turning and running. Drivers spin out and need to drive through positions that you may be shooting in. They may throw dirt and rocks as they get turned around and back on course so remain careful even after the driver has recovered.

Stay away from the outside of corners. That is where many out of control vehicles leave the course. The vehicles throw lots of dirt and rocks behind them and in the corners. Those rocks and dirt can hit you with great force, enough to damage an eye or break bones in some instances.

Use the buddy system with your fellow shooters. You miss a lot looking through a viewfinder. If a car is approaching and you have to get out, make sure all those around you are alerted also. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Work with each other on escape routes and share information about safe practices or potential hazards. If you see a potential hazard don’t hesitate to inform a course worker or fellow shooter during a break in the action.

Don’t leave un-used tripods, gear bags or other items lying around where someone might trip on them in case of avoidance. Take the time to survey your surroundings before shooting to make sure there are no loose rocks or debris that might cause a hazard, your first step is the most important one. Never place your gear behind someone who is shooting. Never shoot where you don’t have a clear path of escape. Avoid fences or other areas that can trap you. If a vehicle hits a fence the fence might get dragged behind the vehicle which can be very dangerous to anything in it’s path.

Don’t be a hog. Don’t stake out “your spot” and camp out there for the race. Some spots are small so you have to share. Take different angles and let others have a chance to shoot around. This is especially important when shooting at the podium. Do not get in front and block everyone else for the duration. Work together shooting high or low so everyone has a shot. If you need close up footage of the drivers get a few seconds then move back so others can work also. Nobody needs three minutes of close-up footage at the podium. It becomes very competitive at times but be nice to each other.

Remember that you are in the desert. The weather is unpredictable at times. It can be very hot or very cold. Make sure you have proper clothing and protection from the elements. Hiking around in rough terrain can quickly make you tired and/or dehydrated. Make sure to maintain proper hydration and nutrition. For the most part you are miles away from help at times so you need to be self sufficient. Always be aware of the critters who live in the desert. There are snakes and scorpions that are poisonous. Don’t disturb any animals you may come in contact with. Do not leave any trash in the desert. The desert is a beautiful place, Keep it that way.

Disclaimer

Baja Racing News is the sole product of the Publisher, Gary Newsome. The views presented in no way represents any of the writers, photographers, graphic artists, sponsors, advertisers, racers or race organizers. We are an online news service, not a baby sitting service. No whiners or kooks! No Richard Craniums!

Gary Newsome Publisher

About Gary Newsome, Publisher

I am a retired US Veteran and Voice of America Editor, Living in Ensenada, Mexico. Also raced with the Balboa Datsun Team in the early days of Rally and Off Road on the west coast, in National City, California.

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